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The power that Lee was capable of instantly generating was absolutely frightening to his fellow martial artists, especially his sparring partners, and his speed was equally intimidating. We timed him with an electric timer once, and Bruce's quickest movements were around five hundredths of a second, his slowest were around eight hundredths. This was punching from a relaxed position with his hands down at his sides from a distance between 18-24 inches. Not only was he amazingly quick, but he could read you too. He could pick up on small subtle things that you were getting ready to do and then he'd just shut you down.

Bruce Lee#187

CombatFightingPerceptionSkillSpeed

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lee's terrifying speed and ability to read opponents allowed him to shut down attacks instantly.
In plain terms
His speed and reading of opponents made him unbeatable.
What can you take from it?
Speed and observation defeat opponents.

Where it applies

  • sparring
  • fighting
  • competition

Putting it to work

  • train speed
  • study opponent cues

Questions to consider

  • How fast do you react?
  • Can you see openings before they close?

Another view

Raw speed does not guarantee strategy or stamina.

More from Bruce Lee

  1. When he could do push ups on his thumbs and push ups with 250lbs on his back, he moved on to other exercises.

    Permalink to quote #186
  2. Bruce was gravitating more and more toward weight training as he would use the weighted wall pulleys and do series upon series with them. He'd also grab one of…

    Permalink to quote #188
  3. Yes, I was on the receiving end of his side kick. It was like getting hit with a truck.

    Permalink to quote #185

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